5 Myths About Addiction

5 Myths About Addiction

August 16, 2015

1. Overcoming addiction is simply a matter of willpower.

Sure, we wish it were that easy. Just stop gambling. Easier said than done. With drugs, prolonged exposure alters the brain in way that results in powerful cravings and compulsions. A gambling addiction has similar parallels. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. The brain begins to crave the rush it receives from gambling and the brain is a powerful thing!

2. Addiction is a disease and there is nothing you can do about it

Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, or at the very least, has a neuro component to it. However, addiction is not a terminal disease, there is something you can do about it! The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated!

3. Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.

Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process and the sooner recovery begins, the better! Often, gambling addicts wait to long, but some start the recovery process before everything is lost.

4. You can’t force someone into treatment, they have to want help.

Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. Although, a willingness to change does usually provide for better outcomes, as motivated people are more committed to the treatment process. Sometimes people who are pressured into treatment by their family, friends, or employer benefit from treatment. While this may not be the norm, it is fully possible to have positive takeaways even when treatment is not the gambler’s idea.

5. Treatment didn’t work before, so there is not point in trying again.

Recovery from an addiction is a life long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean treatment has failed or the person is a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get on track. For gamblers, it’s not uncommon to go through some type of treatment several times for an everlasting change occurs.

Should you have a gambling problem, or have a loved one who does, give us a call at 888-ADMIT-IT. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling operates a 24/7 multi-lingual hotline designed to furnish support for those negatively impacted by a gambling addiction.